Natural-Selection-2 posts

Earlier this week we reported that an upcoming patch for the beta version of Natural Selection 2 would include a new vision mode for the alien faction players. Now developer Unknown Worlds has released a new YouTube video that shows off even more features that will be added to the beta version of the upcoming sci-fi FPS-RTS hybrid game.

The coolest new feature is one that's been promised for the game for a long time; the prototype for the game's dynamic alien infestation feature. Basically the alien side can generate a slime in the game's levels. The alien faction needs the infestation to build other aliens and structures and it must be maintained or it will die off. Again, the beta version of Natural Selection 2 is currently available for anyone who pre-orders the game now.

It's been a little while since we have reported on Natural Selection 2, the upcoming sci-fi first person shooter-RTS hybrid game from developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment. The game is still in its beta stage but new updates continue to be made to the title for people who have pre-ordered Natural Selection 2.

The next patch for the game, which should be released sometime today via Steam, should contain a new feature for the alien faction: alien vision mode. The above video shows off how the alien vision mode will work and should be helpful if the human faction managed to cut the power in the game's level. Remember you can still pre-order the standard edition of the game in order to access the beta test content.

While we enjoyed the fact that the past 10 days or so were fairly slow in the PC game industry in terms of news we are also glad to be right back in the thick of things as a new year officially starts.

• The free-to-play shooter Quake Live has just added new servers based in Sweden for players in that country.
• The upcoming MMO Rift will launch yet another closed beta test event from January 7-10.
• Steam has a new automatic update available for Team Fortress 2.
• Unknown Worlds has released a dedicated server for the beta version of Natural Selection 2.

Once again we will still be updating and posting news and some cool features throughout the next 10 days or so while other sites will shut down completely. However it looks like news from now until January 3 will finally be on the slow side. So if you don't see a news post every hour on the hour you will know what happened :)

• There's a new Natural Selection 2 beta patch available to download on Steam.
• Steam has new automatic updates for Team Fortress 2, King's Bounty Crossworlds, Pirates, Vikings and Knights II, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee, and Plants Vs Zombies Game of the Year Edition.
• The StarCraft II web site has some more "lost transmissions" to check out.
• Sign ups for beta testing for the upcoming Everquest II expansion Destiny of Velious have started.
• Yes, the Interplay-Bethesda Softworks Fallout court battle is still going on.
• The Desura PC game and PC game mod download service is officially out of beta.

Just four more days until The Big Day arrives. But until that magical time why not relax with some cool PC game sales. Today we have some one day only sales along with a special deal for a cool upcoming game:

• The FPS-RTS game Natural Selection 2 is selling two copies of the game for the price of one ($34.95) for a limited time. The price includes access to the current beta test for both copies.
• Direct2Drive has the racing game Blur on sale for one day only for $14.95.
• Impulse has put Avencast: Rise of the Mage on sale today only for just $3.75.
• GamersGate has put Real Warfare: 1242 on sale today only for $7.99.
• Telltale Games has put the full season of Strong Bad's Cool Game For Attractive People on sale today only for $9.95.

Natural Selection 2 is an indie darling, and for good reason: the original mod is an absolute blast, and the development team has managed to turn one of the best mods ever into a stellar stand-alone sequel. This trailer shows off some of the beta features and content, giving players that didn't pre-order the game a glimpse into the current development. It's certainly looking great, although the framerate chug in the video is slightly concerning. Despite this, we can't wait to get our hands on this FPS-RTS hybrid and once again explore stations filled with Skulks, Fades, and other nasty little aliens.

Download HD Natural Selection 2 Beta Gameplay Trailer
Check out all Natural Selection 2 downloads

In less than 36 hours what could be the biggest PC game of 2010 in terms of sales is due for release, and it's not Tron Evolution. You can check out the coverage of World of Warcraft Catalysm over at our sister site WoW Insider.

• Speaking of that game you can now check out the newly launched official World of Warcraft community page.
• Australia is one step closer to having an adults rating for PC and console games ... maybe.
• That previously announced Red Faction TV movie on Syfy starts filming in January and will be broadcast in May.
• Check out some hardcore Super Meat Boy level runs.
• While PC gamers await the release of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, there's a survey asking people about features for the next game.
• Natural Selection 2 has a new patch for its beta users.
• A minor patch for Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War II is due for release Monday.

If you feel like staying up late tonight you might want to check out our site around 1:30 am Eastern time or so. There might be something of interest. No promises.

• GameStop has posted up info about midnight openings on Monday at its stores for the launch of World of Warcraft Cataclysm.
• Steam has automatic updates for Super Meat Boy (including Tofu Boy) and Team Fortress 2.
• Steam has also added the new games Swords and Soldiers and Arcadia to its library.
• A new Elemental beta patch is getting closer to release.
• Natural Selection 2 beta owners have a new patch to download.
• You can now pre-order eight inch vinyl figures of Super Meat Boy (alas they won't be released until April).
• Irrational Games has a new podcast where Ken Levine chats with movie director Zack Snyder.

Natural Selection 2 entered its own version of the closed beta stage last Friday but since its release there have been some issues with the build. In its latest dev update on the Unknown Worlds Entertainment web site, the developer admits, "It's definitely disappointing to see that we missed some serious problems with the beta release"

The update details plans on what the dev team is working to fix in the next beta patch including server crashes, low frame rates and more. It states that a patch with those fixed should be going online sometime on Monday. If you still want to get in on the closed beta its still available for purchase for $34.99 at the game's official web site. The purchase will, of course, allow folks to get the final version of the game at no additional cost when its ready.

Natural Selection 2, as promised on Thursday, has started its closed beta test period. The upcoming sci-fi first person shooter-RTS game from developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment has some new content compared to the previous alpha test including the teleporting Fade alien creature that you can see decimate some Space Marines in the above video.

Access to the beta test will be limited to the first 10,000 people who pre-order the $34.95 game from Natural Selection 2's web site. Purchasing the game also includes access to its mod tools. The beta test will be updated on a regular basis via Steam.

Download the Natural Selection 2 Fade Reveal Trailer at Big Download